Mark Wiley interviewed for the Rockies’ newly-created director of pitching operations position this week in Scottsdale and Denver. He remains the heavy favorite to get the job, but the Rockies said Thursday that there will be no announcement on any personnel moves until next week.

Wiley is currently working as a scout for the Marlins. He has ties to Rockies general manager Dan O’Dowd dating to their days in Baltimore and Cleveland. Wiley worked briefly for the Rockies. He has served as a pitching coach, most recently for the Marlins. He would have input on the next pitching coach. Bob McClure is considered a strong candidate. He was a favorite of the Rockies’ organization when he served as the Triple-A pitching coach for the Sky Sox.

The Rockies continue looking for a manager, but won’t interview outside candidates until talking with Jason Giambi. The Rockies have been tight-lipped about external possibilities. Industry sources believe Tim Wallach and Sandy Alomar Jr. are on Colorado’s list. Brad Ausmus’ name has surfaced as well. Like Wallach, he has interviewed for the Red Sox manager’s job.

Boston is talking with Toronto about John Farrell, who is under contract next year, according to The Boston Globe. If Farrell leaves, Alomar Jr. would be a candidate in Toronto. His brother Robbie and father Sandy Sr. work for the Blue Jays.
Fox Sports mentioned Mike Gallego as a potential candidate today. Gallego, the Rockies’ former third base coach before being dismissed by Clint Hurdle, has a good relationship with assistant GM Bill Geivett.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.